This week on Nuance we discussed a proposed amendment to New Yorkers state's constitution that will appear on the November ballot. This amendment seeks to bar discrimination based on age, gender identity, and pregnancy outcomes, among others.
Currently, New York’s constitution prohibits discrimination based on race, color, creed, or religion. The proposed amendment, however, would extend these protections significantly. It aims to include ethnicity, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, pregnancy outcomes, and reproductive health care and autonomy. This expansion marks a substantial broadening of the state's civil rights protections, aiming to address and adapt to the diverse issues facing today's New Yorkers.
The proposal has not been without controversy. Opposition, particularly from some Republican quarters, argues that the amendment's broad language might lead to unforeseen legal challenges and implications.
The push for this amendment gains further relevance and urgency in light of recent Supreme Court decisions, such as the overturning of Roe v. Wade. These rulings have shifted significant authority back to the states, prompting a reevaluation of how rights and protections are codified at the state level. New York's response, through this amendment, is to fortify its legal frameworks to safeguard these rights, illustrating a proactive approach to ensure that no resident is left vulnerable to the changing tides.
Do you support expanding New York's equal rights guarantees to include age, gender expression, and pregnancy outcomes?
Watch the full discussion on this topic on this week’s episode of Nuance.
Nuance with Mike Scala and Jay Carter is a weekly video podcast that engages its audience through examination of current events from the unique perspectives of its hosts and guests.
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